Innholdsfortegnelse for Summer 2018 i Woman&Home Feel Good You

You know the world is a-changing when the most talked about college course in the world is the study of the science of happiness. Yale University in America has been deluged with students wanting to know how we can raise a smile. In a time of worldwide anxiety, how can we create our own personal happy place? By being grateful, I think, and counting our blessings – both big and small. With that in mind I’ve compiled my own at-a-glance list of things that make my heart sing. What’s yours? An actual “conversation” with my son: one that doesn’t involve a grunt or zero eye contact. My dog spontaneously jumping on my lap. A Le Labo Rose 31 scented bath and Diptyque Baies candles. Laughing until it hurts with a…

1 Get up and down on your toes Roll up onto your toes, hold for a second or two then return heels back to the floor. Do 5-8 reps and repeat three times. This stimulates your circulatory system, which will deliver much-needed glucose throughout your body. 2 GET GIGGLING There are a number of reasons why a good laugh will give you a jolt of energy: the rise in heart rate, blood pressure and dopamine from a good giggle are all enough to send your spirits – and energy levels – soaring. 3 Keep your coffees milky! Did you know there are three good nutritional reasons to add a jolt of milk to your java? Adding milk will turn your coffee into more of a protein drink, making it more…

WHAT IS IT? Calligraphy is a visual art related to writing. It is the design and execution of lettering with a broad-tip instrument, brush or other writing instrument. WHY TRY IT? “You get to carve out a space in your day – just 10 minutes of pure ‘me time’,” explains Heidi Thompson, creative director and co-founder of Carat London jewellers. “I got into the art back at college but fell in love with it all over again when I discovered old ink shops in Paris and London – they were very Harry Potter – and stocked paints, papers and nibs I love.” WHAT BENEFITS DOES IT GIVE YOU? “I find that I’m in a constant state of frenzy in most of life – overwhelmed by digital communication – doing something…

BRONZER: POWDER OR CREAM? Guess what, you can now have both! Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelee, £34, not even a hy, but a tri-brid – as in liquid, powder and gel in one – creates a smooth, even texture on skin that looks like you, only way healthier! Virtually foolproof I think. if, however, you are one of those must-be powder obsessives, Benefit Hoola Lite Matte Light Bronzer, £25.50, is a lighter, shimmer-free shade to help add a kiss of sunshine without a sheen, and is hard to overplay, as the shade is, as it sounds, lighter than traditional bronzers, allowing you to build up colour with confidence. Apply on the apples of your cheeks, forehead, sides of nose, and chin, where the sun naturally hits your face.…

Don’t toss the teabag Put cold green teabags under your eyes for 5-7 minutes to decrease puffiness. Its antioxidants help shrink blood vessels underneath the skin around the eyes, and vitamin K in green tea also helps to lighten dark circles INVEST IN A COMB! Don’t brush your wet hair if you don’t want it to tear. Water makes hair weaker because when wet it absorbs water through the hard outer layer of cuticle into the cortex, which then swells up, causing instant breakage. Use a wide-spaced comb instead of a brush and go slowly to minimise damage Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin and speed up the cell renewal But be gentle—skin gets more delicate as each year passes by Having too many bad hair days? Promote hair growth…

Make tomatoes a regular in your diet They’re rich in vitamin C and contain lycopene, a powerful cancer fighter. Cooked tomatoes are delicious and nutritious, so add them to a pasta dish or make a tasty soup with them ONLY HAVE DESSERTS IF YOU’RE NOT AT HOME This will help to cut back on overindulging on chocolates or ice cream while watching TV after a long day at work If you suffer from heartburn cut down on your portion size Try to eat 4 or 5 small meals a day; it will help your digestive system Practise the 50% rule Aim to have half of your lunch or dinner plate covered in veggies. You’ll get your nutrition fix and you’re likely to lose a few pounds too. Each bite of…

1 Best for… THIGHS Squats and lunges are all well and good but your muscles need a change sometimes. This is crucial if you’re going to continue to get results from your routine. The Bulgarian Split Squat is a move worth mastering if you want a quick fix for the pins. Bulgarian Split Squat: Position the toes of your right foot on the edge of a step or chair so your right knee is bent. Your left leg should be positioned a good stride in front of you. Bend your left (front) leg and lower your body to the floor, keeping torso straight, before pushing back up. Do 20 reps, then change legs. Trainer toning tip: Push through the heel of your front foot as you straighten your leg to…

Half roll-ups Lie on your back with legs straight, toes pointed. Inhale and raise your arms. Exhale and press your lower back down as you roll your head, neck and shoulders up, reaching your fingers towards the ceiling, until you feel a strong contraction in your stomach muscles. During the move, tighten your leg muscles. Slowly return to the start and repeat for one minute. Dead bug Lie on your back with hands by your sides, knees bent at a 90-degree angle and feet off the floor. Tighten your abs and slowly lower your right leg towards the floor, straightening as shown. Stop when you feel your lower back coming off the floor. Return to start, then switch legs. Alternate for one minute. Hip lifts Lie on your left side.…

I used to do a lot of musical theatre, dance and choreography, so fitness has always been key to my life. We went on activity holidays as a family when I was a kid too. I now have my own fitness business that takes me all over the world, so I work out a lot when I’m abroad. I run classes, train people to become Pilates or aerobics teachers or personal trainers, and I teach BTEC National Diploma in Sport Studies and CYQ Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer Diploma at our local college. What’s your exercise incentive when you’re away? I try to keep active every day doing something like swimming, going for a long walk, running or working out. It’s one of the only times I get to myself…

Benefits of swimming It cools you down when you’re on holiday, but there are plenty of other benefits to swimming laps in the pool… It’s a full body workout Swimming uses all the muscles in your body, so you can stay toned and keep fit. A leisurely swim can burn 200 calories in just half an hour, which is more than double the calories burnt by walking. Your body works harder A 30-minute exercise in the pool is worth 45 minutes of the same activity on land, according to swimming.org. Even more reason to try water aerobics. It’s relaxing If you swim regularly, you can lower your stress levels, reduce anxiety and depression, and have a better night’s sleep. It lowers risk of diseases Swimming for just 30 minutes per…

298 environmental chemicals have been found in humans, as monitored by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including many used in consumer products * Air fresheners Household sprays and fragrances can contribute to a medley of chemicals in our homes that build up to indoor pollution. And, whatever we breathe in eventually ends up in our bloodstream. Chemically created fragrances are usually made from benzenes, a variety of chemicals that can cause respiratory issues, headaches, asthma, dizziness and other health issues. “There’s mounting evidence that indoor pollution can pose more of a health threat than outdoor pollutants,” says biochemist and medical herbalist Dr Chris Etheridge. “Improving indoor air quality is the key to tackling asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).” Try this Forget chemically laden air fresheners,…

Make “no meat Mondays” part of your diet A flexitarian diet is mostly plant-based, with the occasional consumption of meat or fish, and it has been known to decrease the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease TURN UP THE HEAT! Researchers have found that eating spicy food can lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. A spicy meal curbs unhealthy cravings for salt because it makes you more sensitive to salt intake and “tricks” the brain into wanting less Having lemon water in the morning not only hydrates, but also gives you a boost of vitamin C to fight colds Buy a reusable metal water bottle It encourages you to drink more water and keep track of your recommended daily intake of 6-8…

Let’s face it, death isn’t a typical dinner conversation topic. And often, when the subject does come up, we speak about it in hushed euphemisms: “She’s passed”; “He’s no longer with us” – anything but the D-word. Yet 500,000 people die every year in England alone, with each death directly affecting at least five others. Every year, most of us have a birthday card we don’t send, and times we miss being able to turn and talk to someone we’ve loved and lost. Death and grief affects all of us, in some way, all the time. So why don’t we talk about it more? “We’re told it’s a depressing subject that should be avoided,” says bereavement counsellor Julia Samuel, author of Grief Works (Penguin Life, £9.18). “And there’s also an…

Here are some of our favourite tools to help you think, perform and even sleep better. Follow these simple everyday exercises to lift your spirits… * At the end of your day, look back and find three things that went well and replay them in your mind, revisiting those good feelings. It’s quite incredible how powerful this small exercise is. * Stop, close your eyes and refocus your breathing pattern. Inhale slowly through your nose to the count of eight. Fill your belly – not your chest – with air. Exhale through your mouth to the count of 10 to 16. Repeat five to ten times, until you feel calmer. * It’s one thing to learn to think positive, but when you start acting on it, you change yourself, one…

My exercise routine… I like discovering new things, but classes are my absolute favourite as I love being with other people. I’ll go to one of Sarah Gorman’s [Davina’s friend and fitness expert who worked on her DVD, Toned in 10] classes every week, or two if I can. I also like doing spin classes, so ideally I’ll do three classes in a week. I do love working out at home and the brilliant thing about downloads or DVDs is that they’re perfect when I’ve only got an hour spare. My get-fit tip… Experiment and test out lots of different things until you find something you enjoy. You’re more likely to stick with things you like and have fun with. My diet… I’ve eaten pretty healthily and known what to…

Protect your skin from the sun Exposure to the sun’s rays can give you more than just a tan. Wrinkles, liver spots and even skin cancer can result from UV-exposure. Here are our top tips to fight sun damage: Wear sunglasses with UV protection Look for a CE mark, as this means they allow no more than 5% of rays below 380 nanometres to get through. Stay in the shade from 10am-4pm This is when the sun is at its strongest. You can tell when UV rays are strongest when your shadow is shorter than your body. Wear sun cream, even in the shade An umbrella filters, but does not block, UV rays. Apply a thick coat of SPF, as a thin coating can reduce performance by up to 50%.…

1 Slim – fast! There’s nothing quite like an algae body wrap to remind you to lay off the macaroons and swap a few coffees each day for detox tea (I’m a fan of Caudalie Detox Tea, £10 for 20). So just 1 hour of body scrubbing followed by a thorough slippery coating of algae in Thalgo 3 Algae Exfoliation and Wrap, £58 for 1 hour at the Porchester Spa, really does set you on a more righteous path. Infused with minerals and vitamins to help boost metabolism and increase circulation, even skin conditions such as eczema can see an improvement. It’s a muddy mess, but perfectly organised so you never seem to spill a drop and you definitely feel more body focused than after a simple scrub. 2 Prepare…

Your secret weapon for a base that won’t quit Mid-afternoon make-up melt is no joke. When you spot red cheeks, dark circles or pigmentation peeking through, reach for colour correctors. They knock dodgy shades out and hug onto your base so the great skin effect sticks around longer. Green’s great on redness, like L’Oréal Infallible Anti-Redness Primer, £8, while pretty pink Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer in Mood Light, £36, brightens sallow skin. Peach is the tonic for dark undereyes. Find it in Stila Correct & Perfect All-In-one Colour Correcting Palette, £32.50, a one-stop shop with cream and powder shades for all ails. HOT TIP UPDATE YOUR SMOKY EYE “A smoky eye can be easily achieved by applying a deep eyeshadow across the crease of the eyelid and in the…

Sardine Niçoise We’ve switched to sardines instead of tuna in this classic salad. Whack them on the barbie or under the grill for a gorgeous, good-for-you treat. Easy • Ready in 20 mins • Serves 4 500g new Jersey potatoes, quartered4 eggs200g green beans, trimmed16 sardines with garlic chilli and lemon3tbsp low-fat French dressing2tbsp mustard ketchup (such as Tracklements)2 Little Gem lettuces, leaves separated14 Nocellara olives12 sunblush tomato pieces 1 Cook the potatoes in a pan of boiling salted water for 15 mins until tender. 2 Add the eggs to the pan of boiling water, and simmer for 8 mins. Allow to cool, peel and cut in half. Microwave the beans with 2tbsp water for 3 mins. 3 Heat a grill or barbecue, and cook the sardines for 6 mins,…

Raspberry Kir Royale A classic cocktail that’s so easy to whizz up. Makes 1 1tsp framboise raspberry liqueur100ml Champagne1 raspberry, to decorate Pour the framboise into a glass, carefully top up with Champagne and add a raspberry. Mojito Make one Mojito at a time. Serves 6 4 limes, washed and cut into small pieces3tbsp caster sugar480ml soda water480ml white rumlarge handful of mint leaves crushed ice For each Mojito, put a sixth of the lime pieces, ½tbsp caster sugar and 80ml each soda water and white rum into a cocktail shaker. Add 8 mint leaves and crushed ice. Stir well. Pour into a glass and top with mint sprigs. Repeat for the 5 remaining Mojitos. Iced peach tea So refreshing on a super-hot day! Serves 6 Alcohol free 2tbsp sugar600ml…

If you’ve decided this is the season to get healthier, you’re in luck. With plenty of flavoursome salad crops and vegetables on offer, it’s time to let the ingredients do the talking – but make sure you use a high-quality oil too. Mazola’s corn and rapeseed oils are 100% pure and incredibly versatile. We’ve chosen three tasty dishes that are perfect for summer entertaining, and use Mazola 100% pure oils. Chicken fajita lettuce wraps Want a low-cal alternative to tortillas? Try these delicious Mexican-style treats. Easy/Prepare ahead • Ready in 20 mins, plus marinating • Serves 2 4tbsp Mazola corn oil365g chicken strips1 large onion, sliced2 red peppers, sliced1 avocado, smashed2 heads of Romaine lettuce, stripped to leavesfor the marinade2tbsp lime juice1tsp oregano1tsp cayenne pepper1tsp sweet smoked paprika1 garlic clove,…

Wall push-ups Stand facing a wall, slightly more than an arm’s length away. Lean forward and place your hands on the wall so that your arms are parallel to the floor, shoulder-width apart. Bend your elbows and bring your chest forward until your forehead nearly touches the wall. Hover for a count of three, then slowly return to the start. Broomstick pull-ups Place two chairs 3-4ft apart and lay a broomstick across the seats. Sit on the floor between the chairs. Bend knees with feet flat on floor, grabbing the broomstick firmly with your hands shoulder-width apart. Lean back to feel a stretch in your upper back and shoulders and a strong contraction in your abdominals, then pull your upper body towards the broomstick. Hold for a count of three,…

As a nurse I’m very aware of the importance of exercise for your overall wellbeing. I love walking and normally do lots when I’m away. John and I have two dogs, so I really miss the dog walks when we’re abroad. We walked loads when we were in Hawaii for my brother’s wedding, and short UK breaks with the dogs are a great way to get in some exercise and see beautiful countryside. I run a bit when I’m away and I love swimming too. What’s your exercise incentive when you’re away? I miss it when I don’t exercise; I get grumpy, so it’s important for me to do something wherever I am. I know I’ll always feel better after exercise. A turning point for me was after a breast…

Holding a stretch before a workout A static stretch can tire your muscles and curb your performance. Dynamic stretching – going through the moves of your workout but at a lower intensity – is a better way to warm up FOCUS ON SMALL GOALS INSTEAD OF LARGE GOALS Concentrate on day-to-day goals, like going for a run or to a gym class, instead of a four-month drop-a-dresssize challenge Don’t just increase your reps of an exercise, increase your range of motion: squat deeper; elevate your back foot on lunges. Your body will thank you! Unless your workout is really long or tough, you don’t need a sports drink with electrolytes; water is fine. If you’re dehydrated, your muscles may cramp, so make sure you have a drink every 10-20 minutes…

It often feels like trying to get five portions of fruit and veg in your diet is super hard work, but don’t just think in terms of fresh – you can also include dried fruits, canned fruits in natural juice, all frozen fruit and veg, and pulses such as chickpeas and lentils. Buy essential standbys so there’s always something healthy at hand – such as frozen berries you can whizz up in a smoothie and canned chickpeas, which are fab in stews and curries. TRY * Try roasting butternut squash in a little oil and serve with pappardelle or tagliatelle. * Make sweet potato chips – scrub, don’t peel (it ups your fibre content too), then cut into chips. Toss in oil and bake for 40 mins. * Potatoes don’t…

On her menopause Menopause has been the single most challenging time of my life. For me, I felt lost for a good while, and I didn’t understand why. I regularly started to feel anxious and overwhelmed. I was worrying about things that didn’t need worrying about. Steve, my husband, could tell I had things on my mind and I could reel off a long list of things that were taking up space in my head, but not one of them was important. I wasn’t sleeping because of it, and I’d get uncontrollably anxious about things like making the journey through the airport. I wasn’t worrying about anything falling out of the sky – that I suppose would at least have been an understandable fear – but I would worry about…

Soak it off Clear your diary, turn off the phone and get the fluffiest bath towels ready… and consciously choose how to spend your spare time I am a big believer in a long hot bath – what could be nicer than bathing in bubbles, candles lit, reading a favourite novel? For me, that is when the world falls away and it’s time for me. But, according to a recent survey we are now a nation of showerers – how very American! Peter Kinderman, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Universit of Liverpool, says, “I encourage people to make conscious choices about how to spend their time. Whether you have a spare 10 minutes or two hours, think about how you would like to make the most of it. Whether…

RACE FOR LIFE June-October Take part in your local 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy Race for Life and raise money for Cancer Research. There are 118 locations, so plenty of opportunity for everyone to get involved. See raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org for more details. WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY 7 July If you’re looking for an excuse to indulge in eating chocolate, look no further. This international day of celebration encourages you to enjoy your passion – our fave is a couple of squares of 70% dark chocolate. It’s no shock (or, ahem, choc) that this is going straight in our diary. DOG JOG July-October Chasing your tail for a way to keep fit this summer? Take on the 5k jog with your canine companion to keep you both in shape and raise money for…

1 Try one smart yoga move The hip raise can help relieve tension in your back: Lie on your back, knees bent, feet hip-distance apart and a few inches away from your buttocks. Extend your neck, chin into your chest and rest your head, have arms straight at your sides, palms down. Take a few breaths, then as you breathe in, curl your pelvis off the floor and lift your hips, peeling your spine off the floor. There should be a straight diagonal line from your shoulders to your knees. As you exhale, curl your bottom back down to the floor. Repeat 10 times. 2 Go hot… or cold! Many people find that heat – for example, a hot bath or a hot-water bottle placed on the affected area –…

* Fire up your energy If you want to ramp up the vitamin hit of your juices or smoothies, add powdered superfood moringa. This plant, native to Africa and Asia, is packed with cell-protecting antioxidants (boasting six times the antioxidant content of goji berries) and is said to increase energy and libido, improve sleep, and relieve anxiety and depression. Where to find it Aduna Moringa Green Superleaf Powder for 100g, £6.64, amazon.co.uk * Go raw Honey has been used for centuries for its immune-boosting, cough-suppressing, wound-healing, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal benefits. But a lot of commercial honey is filtered and heat-treated, and loses many of its phytonutrients and antibacterial properties in the process. Raw honey, on the other hand, hasn’t been treated, and contains its full complement of antioxidants and…

Pour Epsom salts into your bath Its immune system-boosting magnesium is known to block pain receptors in the brain. Thus, the salts can soothe inflamed cells in the body, and ease aches and pains MAKE SURE YOU GET A GOOD NIGHT’S REST Adults over 45 years old who sleep less than 6 hours are more likely to have a stroke, heart attack, or develop Alzheimer’s in their lifetime, compared with those who sleep 7 or more hours Stop and smell the roses! Having flowers nearby reduces stress and anxiety, and instantly makes you happier Go barefoot around the house Your feet have 25% of your bones in addition to a multitude of ligaments and nerves. By ditching the shoes, your foot mechanics will improve, decreasing the pressure on your hips…

You know that cliche about the doctor at a dinner party, happily tucking into Ottolenghi’s six-hour lamb only to be presented with two mystery rashes on the side? Most of us have taken advantage of “out of hours” advice from an expert from time to time, and it’s safe to say that hairdressers are hot property for social cornering too. What would you ask if you had the country’s top hair talent at your disposal? We’ve tracked down the industry's finest for you. Read on to discover the ultimate A-list solutions to help you achieve amazing colour, volume, smoothness and strength this summer. THE SUPERSTAR STYLER ERROL DOUGLAS MBE Q How can I get natural-looking waves? A “My clients often say perfect waves are one of the hardest styles to…

Treat yourself Once upon a time, going for a facial meant 60 minutes minimum, pan pipe music, extraction (the horror!), exfoliation if you’re lucky and leaving £100 down wondering what difference it all made. Happily these days the New Yorkification of British beauty means we get speedier treatments with tangible results, from blow-dry bars to lunch break peels. Bada bing bada boom. I love Skin Laundry’s cult 15-minute deep-cleaning laser, £60, but the first one’s free, or try gentle LED brightening at The Light Salon, from £25 for 10 minutes. OK with needles? I adore Skin Design London’s 30-minute Radiance Roller Treatment, £60, combining liquid peels and dermarolling for instant glow and long-term plumping. All three are available in various locations, not just London, as are tons of speed-treats from…

VILLAGE GREEK SALAD Serves 6 * 4 ripe tomatoes* 2 small Lebanese cucumbers (200g)* 100g romaine or rocket or purslane (depending on the season)* 2tbsp red wine vinegar* 3tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve* sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper* 100g feta, thinly sliced* 6 black olives* ½ red onion, sliced into rings* pinch of dried mint or oregano 1 roughly chop the tomatoes, cucumbers and salad greens and place in a large bowl. Toss with the vinegar and oil and season to taste. 2 Top with the feta, olives and red onion, then sprinkle with a little dried mint or oregano. Drizzle with a splash of extra virgin olive oil and serve. 116 calories, 3.4g carbs, 9.6g fat, 3.2g sat fat, 4g protein Greek salad…

Benefits of strawberries Wimbledon is around the corner and we can’t wait for the tennis, sunshine and strawberries & cream. Aside from being delicious, strawberries hit the ball out of the park (or court) when it comes to their health perks… Can protect against heart disease A Harvard study found that the regular consumption of anthocyanins (found in berries) can reduce the risk of heart attack by 32% in young and middle-aged women. Lower blood pressure Strawberries have a high potassium content and eating one cup a week can lower your risk of developing high blood pressure, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Protect against stroke The antioxidants quercetin, kaempferol and anthocyanins have been shown to reduce formation of harmful blood clots associated with strokes.…

BIKINIS SWIMSUITS…

We bang on about it but it’s true – many of us simply don’t breathe deeply enough. The benefits are oh so many: your muscles relax (it’s difficult to stay tense!); your blood pressure lowers; oxygen intake is improved, helping every bodily function; it helps your lymphatic system detox your body… result! * Sit straight, breathe in deeply from your diaphragm through your nose, filling your lower lungs. * Expand your ribcage, let the air work up to the top of your lungs. Hold for a few seconds. * Slowly breathe out through your mouth, releasing air from the top of your lungs down. Repeat this for a few minutes each morning.…

Has menopause dented your self-esteem? If it has, that’s not surprising. Most of the time, talk of menopause is all about “management” – of hot flushes, anxiety, a thickening waistline, plummeting sex drive and vaginal dryness – not exactly messages that fill you with vitality. In our society, this time of life is usually seen as something to dread, and that’s largely connected with our cultural mindset, believes Dr Christiane Northrup, a holistic physician trained in gynaecology, and author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom (Piatkus). “For decades, we’ve been taught that without hormone replacement, we’d lose our attractiveness to men, dry up and become brittle,” she says. “This is partly driven by our ageist culture, which associates getting older with decline. And of course, pharmaceutical companies and the media manipulate…

* Yogurt It doesn’t have to be organic but I love it because it’s “cleaner”. Sheep, goats’ or cows’ milk yogurt, it doesn’t matter. It’s all good for the gut as it stimulates digestion and helps increase levels of vitamins B12 and K. * Sauerkraut Probiotic-rich – everyone’s making it! If you’re buying, avoid the pasteurised kind, it should say raw, keep refrigerated, or naturally fermented. * Kefir – it’s the buzz! A fermented milk drink that’s one of the richest probiotic foods. Tastes yogurty and is good if you’re lactose intolerant. Don’t have too much, as it may overstimulate digestion. Whizz a little into your smoothie. * Kimchi Delicious fermented vegetables with big probiotic, antioxidant and vitamin C benefits. It’s good for cardio and vascular health plus immunity. Added…

Ketogenic diet: good news or not? It sounds like the dream come true – a diet that encourages you to eat food that’s high in fat content. But the high-fat, low-carb ketogenic diet has a few nasty side effects, proving some fads really are too good to be true… Tiredness and difficulty concentrating Our body needs carbohydrates to function so, by taking them away, we are running on empty. This can cause fatigue and a feeling of overall sluggishness. Mood swings A lack of carbs can also cause mood swings, potentially because you are tired (we all get cranky when we’ve had no sleep). For a more positive outlook, make sure you eat enough carbohydrates. Toilet problems Fewer calories means less fibre, which means you may have problems when going…

SWAN NECK Begin looking straight ahead with your chin level. Turn your head to the right so that it is even with your right shoulder and then tilt your head backwards. Hold for six to eight seconds. Return your head to the forward position with your chin level. Turn your head to the left, even with your left shoulder. Tilt your head back and hold for six to eight seconds – repeat up to three times. This lifts and tones the neck muscles, firming lines and wrinkles on the side of the neck and face. CIRCLE THE EYES First place your middle fingers at the beginning of your eyebrows. Start to gently tap around your eyes, following the top of your eyebrow and continue under your eye, to the inside…

From the moment we wake, we’re surrounded by news, views and noise, all competing for our attention. When it comes to the wealth of daily decisions, our response is to sift it, analyse and overthink. (What shall I wear for this meeting? Is my daughter unhappy? Does my mother have the care she needs?) Often, we know the answers to all these questions – if we’d only stop and listen to our feelings. So how do we tap into our most ancient source of wisdom? The science behind intuition What is it? It has been called the “sixth sense”, and wrongly considered “woo woo”. In fact, intuition is as rooted to reality as rational thought. Humans have evolved two systems of reasoning. One is “conscious thought” – slow and effortful,…

Go outside and take in your surroundings! Researchers at the University of Michigan found that nature walks have the ability to decrease depression, improve wellbeing and mental health, and lower stress levels TRY SOMETHING NEW! A study at San Francisco State University found that learning to do something new could be stressful and frustrating to begin with, but paid off in terms of greater overall happiness. The key is to be willing to challenge yourself Wake up earlier than you normally would A 20-minute head start to your morning routine gives you time to start your day with ease, rather than being in a rush Ditch your gadget at least an hour before bed Studies have shown that staring at blue or white light (from smartphones and tablets) prevents the…

Following on from the popularity of our first foodie cruise, we’ve partnered with tall-ship cruise specialist Star Clippers to bring you a holiday in the company of chef and restaurateur Aldo Zilli. There’s no better way to experience the wonders of Italy than on our new eight-day Ultimate Italy cruise, sailing from Rome down the coast to Sicily. Aldo Zilli is best known for his successful restaurants, including Signor Zilli and seafood specialist Zilli Fish. You’ll have the chance to meet Aldo, hear about his life and career, enjoy two cooking demonstrations and join him for a special lunch in Amalfi. “I’m over the moon to be travelling to some of my favourite parts of Italy,” says Aldo. “I’ll be teaching and learning about the different foods this amazing region…

When Milo was little we were inseparable: forever chatting, chasing, playing, reading, eating (he loves restaurants – me too!). Then puberty happened. BAM. Things changed seemingly overnight. Conversations were snatched on car rides (all the better to have zero eye contact), I’d overhear about his day only by earwigging his Xbox conferences with his mates upstairs in his room. And then he replaced Xbox with a living, breathing girlfriend and a new teenage secretive life is in full swing. Well my son is 16, what the hell did I expect? So, when a four-day fun trip to the Balearic Islands landed desk side, I decided the Easter holidays would be the perfect excuse for us to bond. The only tricky thing was the activity bit of a mini-break–would he want…